Following the publication of an article titled “Targeting the Kingdom: Bangladesh’s dangerous dance with anti-Saudi conspirators” in Blitz, Ms. Meghna Alam – whose name came under public scrutiny in April this year – sent a threatening and derogatory message to the editor of this newspaper via Messenger. Dated June 28, 2025, the message read:

“How much did you get paid for writing trash like this jeopardizing life & dignity of your own countrywoman?”

Screengrab of Meghna Alam’s message.

As the message went unnoticed by the editor at that time, Meghna Alam followed up with an email on July 24, 2025, in which she threatened legal action unless the aforementioned article was removed.

In the email, Ms. Alam wrote:

This is Meghna Alam, Political Leadership Trainer and Chairperson of Miss Bangladesh Foundation. I am not some random model – that’s a term popularized to stereotype or box me into a fabricated conspiracy theory.

I have already received an apology from the DB chief and people in power in court, jail, and even the government. The ambassador you wrote about [former Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh, Issa bin Youssef Al-Duhailan] lost his job. The only reason I did not escalate matters is because of their request – not to cause unrest during a time of national instability. However, we are confident justice will be served behind the scenes. If I were not a dignified person and did not share a dignified relation with Essa, none of this would have happened.

Kindly delete this write-up from every platform it’s published on. Otherwise, I will pursue both national and international legal remedies against every channel defaming me. If two states could not fight me legally, kindly do not underestimate me.

https://weeklyblitz.net/2025/04/15/targeting-the-kingdom-bangladeshs-dangerous-dance-with-anti-saudi-conspirators/

If you want to write about the situation, you are welcome to interview me in person, review legal documents, speak to my legal teams at both lower and higher courts, and then write an informed piece. There is no pride in demonizing a woman who was actually a victim and should have been supported in her pursuit of justice.

Screengrab of Megna Alam’s email.

This newspaper could not independently verify Ms. Alam’s claims that the DB chief, judicial figures, or government officials issued apologies to her following her arrest on allegations of blackmailing the former Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh, Issa bin Youssef Al-Duhailan.

Similarly, Blitz could not confirm whether Ambassador Al-Duhailan was dismissed from his diplomatic post due to this controversy. Despite multiple attempts, Saudi authorities have not responded to our inquiries on the matter.

Photographs available on Ms. Alam’s official Facebook page show her with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and his Special Assistant, Lamia Morshed – indicating a possible affiliation or acquaintance. In light of this, it remains unclear why the Detective Branch or any state institution would proceed with Ms. Alam’s arrest in the absence of a formal complaint or legally admissible evidence of wrongdoing.

Of serious concern is the reported application of the controversial Special Powers Act of 1974 in her case – a legal tool that has often been criticized for its use in politically motivated arrests. While the judiciary ultimately granted her release, the abuse of such repressive laws raises questions about due process and fundamental rights.

At the same time, Blitz firmly rejects the insinuation that its editorial policies or reporting can be influenced by any form of payment or personal interest. With a legacy of over 22 years of fearless and principled journalism, we remain committed to facts, fairness, and truth. We never publish content to harm innocent individuals, nor do we engage in smear campaigns.

While Ms. Alam may have grievances, she must understand that Blitz exercises its press freedom responsibly, ethically, and with due diligence. Resorting to threats or unfounded allegations is not a constructive response to press coverage. If she believes our reporting is inaccurate or incomplete, the proper course would be to issue a formal rebuttal or request an interview, which we would evaluate as part of our editorial process.

In a democratic society, freedom of the press is not a privilege – it is a cornerstone of accountability and transparency. No individual, regardless of their political connections or social stature, holds the authority to intimidate or silence the media through threats or legal coercion. Blitz will continue to uphold its commitment to ethical journalism without fear or favor. We categorically reject any attempts to bully this newspaper into censorship. We stand resolute: truth is not for sale – and neither is our conscience.

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